Dubai-based Rabbi has Tefillin Straps Cut by Jordanian Airport security; SWC Calls on King Abdullah, Faith Leaders to Act

February 23, 2023

Earlier this week, a rabbi from the United Arab Emirates, traveling through Jordan’s International Airport, was stopped by Jordanian security and his tefillin were cut with scissors.

Over the last few months, the Simon Wiesenthal Center has met with top Jordanian diplomats to officially protest similar incidents at land crossings from Israel into Jordan. Nothing has been achieved to date.

"Those who destroyed Rabbi’s tefillin at the airport knew exactly what tefillin is," said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Simon Wiesenthal Center Associate Dean and Global Social Action Director. “King Abdullah must put an end to this travesty. Israel, US and faith leaders must condemn these desecrations. If there is no change Jews will reconsider travel to the Kingdom; all this when the Abraham Accords spread true peace,” Cooper concluded.

For further information contact the Center’s Communications department at pressinquiries@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.